Yes! Weddings are allowed | Covid-19 | President Update
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s most recent national address on 28 February 2021 regarding Covid-19 impacts weddings. That is to say, regulations are updated, in favour of weddings. Moreover, lockdown restrictions have eased. South Africa moved to level 1 alert level lockdown (as of midnight on 28 February 2021). Weddings are allowed. However, of course, there are considerations to the regulations that should be considered, such as gathering size, curfew times and mandatory protocols.
President Ramaphosa said that vaccinations have begun in South Africa, almost 67,000 people have been vaccinated. Further deliveries of vaccinations to South Africa are ongoing. This second wave was more devastating than the first wave of Covid-19 cases in South Africa. However, now, hospital admissions, as well as new daily cases have significantly decreased.
In addition, he further stated that such restrictions must not remain in place than absolutely necessary to contain the disease. Now the country can ease some of the restrictions on movement and activities.
Consequently, weddings are allowed (both the wedding ceremony AND wedding reception)
Lockdown restrictions have relaxed and weddings are allowed. As a result, here’s an overview of the strategies that still exist, which will impact weddings:
1. Although weddings are allowed, there are restrictions on the gathering size
That is to say, President Ramaphosa said that gatherings are permitted, subject to limitations on size, social distancing and other health protocols. Gatherings include: Religious, cultural, social, political.
Consequently, gatherings may not exceed 100 people in an indoors venue, or 250 people at an outdoor venue. Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers, then 50% of the venue size will apply.
· To clarify, an indoor venue is capped at a maximum of 100 people.
· Further, an outdoor venue is capped at a maximum of 250 people.
2. Although weddings are allowed, there is a curfew
Curfew times are adjusted to 00h00 – 04h00. During the previous ‘level 3 of lockdown’, the curfew was in place from 11pm – 4am. With the curfew extension now by 1 hour, this is a great news for the wedding agenda!
3. The sale of alcohol continues to be permitted
- Sale of alcohol by licensed premises is permitted as normal, except during curfew hours.
Add elements to your wedding photos and memories – the Corona Wedding Gift, ideal for Groom, Bestman, Groomsmen here.
4. Tobacco can continue to be sold
5. International travel continues to be permitted
This allows international guests to attend the wedding physically – not just virtually. President Ramaphosa iterated that, as a result, five of South Africa’s airports are open for international travel. These include OR Thambo International airport, Cape Town airport, King Shaka airport , Kruger, Mpumalanga and Lanseria airports.
33 land border posts that have been closed will remain closed. Other 20 will remain open.
…Subject to some restrictions:
- Any person travelling internationally must produce a valid Covid-19 test result, which must be no older than 72 hours. Moreover, if the traveler does not produce the Covid-19 test result, a possible quarantine period could evolve, and this will be at the traveller’s own cost.
Make sure that your wedding guests are well-informed of their individual travel regulations and requirements.
Satin Wedding Face Masks from www.EverythingAndWedding.co.za
6. Face masks continue to be mandatory in public spaces
…Gorgeous Bridal Face Masks here
7. Travel between provinces in South Africa continues to be permitted
Wedding guests and vendor suppliers can continue to travel nationally anywhere within South Africa.
8. Sanitising protocols are mandatory
Hand sanitiser stations are the new wedding trend. The hand sanitiser stands can be done up really awesome, with personalised sign boards, décor and flowers.
Some quirky corona wedding signboards are here OR design your own personalised signboard here
‘Distance makes the heart grow fonder’ wedding sign from www.EverythingAndWedding.co.za
‘Love is Infectious’ wedding sign from www.EverythingAndWedding.co.za
A perfect and convenient reason to make the wedding guest gift a small bottle of personalised hand sanisiter, found here and also another cheaper style here.
Personalised Wedding Gift Favour Hand Sanitisers here
Certainly, restrictions and regulations must be fully adhered to, even though weddings are allowed. To clarify, these are:
- 1.5 metre social distance between all people attending the wedding. Consider your seating plan: A table that previously seated 10 people may now have a maximum of 5 or 6 people. Read how to implement and respect these guidelines at your wedding HERE
- Face masks are mandatory
- Hand Sanitisers
President Ramaphosa stressed that “eased restrictions does not mean we must let our guard down. The few restrictions in level 1 are to maintain lower cases of infections. The new variant is the dominant variant in the country. It is transmitted more easily and can infect more people.
[That is to say], be responsible and caring.”
and to marry the love of your life.
We are on the path to recovery. Remain hopeful.
In summary and most importantly, Weddings are allowed!
South Africa moves to alert level 1 as of midnight on 28 February 2021. Weddings are allowed, both the ceremony and the reception. Restrictions have eased. Improved restrictions include: Adjusted curfew time, gathering size, alcohol sale.
South Africa’s BEST online wedding shop, for Everything Needed Before, During, After Your Wedding HERE
There are fundamentally important changes expected of any future weddings. Read these in this article on Wedding Tips
This article will be updated in our blog as wedding information progress onwards. Watch this space! Most importantly, check into our Blog Page for more insight into Hot Wedding Topics.
*Note from the Editor: This article is merely intended to explore grounding information proposed to sober wedding indecision. By no means is this article a comprehensively seamless analysis or official information. This information is accurate to the date of publishing. More information will unveil as the government releases further information.
